Bangladesh is set to hold national elections on February 12, 2026, alongside a national referendum on constitutional reforms known as the July Charter. This election marks a significant moment as it will be the first major national polls since the anticipated fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in 2024. Amidst the backdrop of restrictions faced by Hasina's Awami League, the elections will see participation from key opposition parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), the latter two joining forces for the elections.

The upcoming elections are particularly intriguing due to the inclusion of parties that have faced bans during Sheikh Hasina's tenure. The BNP, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and the Islamist Jamaat are now contesting, alongside the newly emerged NCP. This political landscape is indicative of the shifting dynamics within Bangladesh's political arena, as it grapples with past restrictions imposed on opposition parties. With a diverse array of candidates, this election could significantly alter the country's governance and political alliances.

Key election manifestos from these parties have raised eyebrows, as many promises reflect welfare schemes that mirror those from India. This indicates a potential influence of India's development policies on Bangladeshi political discourse, as parties seek to attract voters by proposing similar welfare initiatives. The repetition of these Indian welfare ideas highlights the interconnectedness of regional politics and poses questions about the originality and authenticity of the Bangladeshi political agenda going forward.